- The FDIC national savings rate was 0.39% as of 10/06/2025 — many operating accounts earn far less than market rates.
- Banks pay different rates for deposits; many community and regional banks pay more for stable funding.
- Ampersand program rates have averaged 5–9x the national average.‡
- No setup fees, no monthly fees and no minimum balance on the Ampersand high-yield account.
Why business cash often earns so little
Operating banks rarely pay competitive rates on large, idle balances. The FDIC national average savings rate was just 0.39% as of 10/06/2025 — and many business checking accounts earn close to nothing.
Where better rates come from
Deposit rates vary widely from bank to bank. Many community and regional banks need stable funding and pay more for it. A deposit marketplace gives you access to those institutions without opening accounts at each one.
Earning more without giving up protection
With Ampersand, funds are placed across FDIC- and NCUA-insured institutions, each deposit kept within its insured limit. Program rates have averaged 5–9x the national average,‡ and interest rolls up to one statement — keep it in your Ampersand account or send it to your operating bank.
What cash is a good fit
Reserve funds, excess cash, insurance and benefit premiums, and any cash not needed for daily transactions. Keep your operating account where it is for everyday banking.
What to compare
Rate, insurance coverage, liquidity and access, fees and minimums, reporting, and whether you have to change banks. Ampersand: no setup fees, no monthly fees, no minimum balance, one login, one statement, and no need to switch banks.
Frequently asked
Rates change with the market. Compare against the FDIC national average and look for options that also keep deposits insured and liquid.
Related reading
More guides
Ampersand, Inc. is not a bank or depository institution. Ampersand acts as administrator in placing deposits at FDIC- or NCUA-insured banks or credit unions; deposit insurance is provided by those institutions, subject to standard limits, aggregation rules, and pass-through requirements. ‡ Program rates have averaged 5–9x the FDIC national average savings rate, as of 10/15/2026; averages are not a guarantee of any client’s rate. § CDs are issued by participating insured institutions; “most competitive” compares per-bank CD rates with publicly available national CD rate data as of 09/19/2026. A placement fee applies to CDs and is charged at maturity, subject to a signed agreement with Ampersand; see your agreement for fee details. Rates vary and are not guaranteed. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Full disclosures →
